01.14.03
Patented is an absorbent article with a bodyside surface positioned adjacent to the wearer. The bodyside surface has a laterally central and a longitudinal axis. The article comprises a backsheet and a liquid-permeable topsheet surrounding an absorbent structure. A flap is disposed in a rear waist portion of the article and is fixedly secured to the article along a lateral seam. The seam extends between the first and second terminal ends while the flap has a free edge extending between the first and second terminal ends. The seam and the free edge define a pocket between the flap and the topsheet. The pocket has an opening extending between the first and second terminal ends and a spacer affixed to the article. The spacer is disposed between the flap and the backsheet and is positioned in proximity to the opening where the free edge is spaced from the topsheet. The spacer includes oppositely oriented engagement surfaces that are laterally spaced along a lateral length of the opening.